The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule ‘braying’ - or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, thefarmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule northe well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighborstogether and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to helphaul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and hisneighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him.It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed onhis back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow afterblow. “Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off andstep up!” he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows,or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought “panic” and justkept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!You‘re right! It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered andexhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which hehandled his adversity.THAT‘S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively,and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIESTHAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS—FAITH—PRAYER—PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to “SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP” out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

An old family friend told me story several years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my life. I am grateful for him sharing this story with me. It helped me to “Shake it off and step up,” also tought me to “Let go and let God.”

If there is a problem that you are worried about STOP worrying. Just say a little prayer and let go of the problem and let God work it out. Then, trust, with all your heart that God will solve the problem, or bring the answer to you, or make the situation go away.